Whether you have tried to get pregnant without treatment or with drugs, IUI and/or IVF, the part of the cycle that involves waiting to hear the “news” about your cycle may be exhausting. Each day you may be monitoring your body for signs of early pregnancy or for signs that you feel may mean your menstrual bleeding will soon begin. It is like being on a rollercoaster of hope and fear. Consider the following survival tips:

“When I was going through treatment, I belonged to an online community of women in various stages of infertility treatment. None of us had kids at the time, but rather than ignore or boycott Mother’s Day, we decided to recognize each other’s shared wish and celebrate how strong we were as women. We organized an Angel Exchange, sending small figurines to our ‘angel buddy’ each with a unique symbol and note of support. To this day, my ‘angel buddy’ and I are still friends, though we have never met. We both have had our IVF successes. I will never forget her love and support on that lonely Mother’s Day!” — Kim

It can be particularly difficult to face the many emotional issues raised by infertility at a time when everyone is celebrating motherhood and fatherhood. Men, women and couples who are experiencing infertility should plan ahead for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, acknowledge their feelings and prepare themselves emotionally to handle questions and comments from family and friends.

Holidays can be stressful, even in the best of circumstances. Expectations are at a peak. Pressure comes, both from the outside and within, to break out of the normal routine – to celebrate, and to enjoy! But for the person experiencing infertility, holidays can be the most difficult time of the year.

Get the IFAASA newsletter.

Our Sponsors

As Seen/Heard On

Break the silence

IFAASA, the Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa NPC, established in 2013, is a non-profit organisation with the aim of supporting Southern Africans living with reproductive health issues through education, research and advocacy, and to educate the public about reproductive disease.